What to Pack Before Moving to Germany in 2026: The Ultimate Checklist for Students and Expats

Moving to Germany in 2026? From AI-powered SIM cards to updated visa rules, planning your journey is easier—but you still need to know what to carry to Germany. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, this updated guide helps you avoid rookie mistakes and settle in smoothly.

✨ Book a free trial class to get started with German before you even board the flight!

🌐 Essential Documents (Digital + Physical)

Carry these in your hand luggage and upload to Google Drive or your phone wallet:

• Passport with visa / Chancenkarte / Blue Card
• Admission letter / job offer / housing contract
• Health insurance confirmation (public/private)
• Blocked account details / financial proof (PDF + print)
• Flight ticket + travel insurance
• Degree certificates, mark sheets, birth certificate
• International Driving Permit (IDP, if needed)
• 5 biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm, matte finish, German spec)

🍽️ Kitchen & Utensils (Compact & Essentials Only)

Cooking is still the best budget hack in Germany. Pack smart:

• Compact pressure cooker (3L max) + extra gaskets
• Frying pan, ladle, spatula
• 2 plates, 2 bowls, 2 tumblers
• Knife, peeler, cutting board
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Tupperware with leak-proof lids
• Spatula for dosa/roti if needed

✅ Tip: Use silicone or bamboo utensils to reduce baggage weight.

🌟 Food & Masalas (Smart Packing in 2026)

Don’t overstuff bags with food. Just bring a starter kit:

• Chilli, turmeric, coriander powder (100g each max)
• Mustard seeds, cumin, asafoetida
• 1-2 sealed pickle bottles (no glass!)
• Instant coffee or Indian tea
• Ready-to-eat packs (2 max)

🛂 Customs are stricter in 2026. Label spices clearly. Use zip bags.

🎮 Electronics & Gadgets

Germany uses 230V (Type C & F plugs). In 2026, carry:

• Laptop (lightweight, with USB-C charging)
• Smartphone (eSIM compatible, unlocked)
• Power bank (max 27000mAh, flight-safe)
• 3+ India-Europe adapters
• Extension board / spike buster
• Noise-cancelling headphones (for long DB trips)
• USB-C pendrive or SSD (cloud isn’t always fast)

🏫 Clothing Checklist (Updated for 2026 Seasons)

With Germany’s weather swings, layering is essential:

Warm Weather (May–Sep):

• 4 T-shirts, 2 shirts, 2 shorts
• 2 jeans, 1 chinos
• Light rain jacket / windcheater

Cold Weather (Oct–Apr):

• Thermal inners (2-3 pairs)
• Heavy winter jacket (waterproof)
• Wool gloves, scarf, beanie
• Sweaters / hoodies (2-3)
• Wool socks (bring 3, buy rest from Primark)

Essentials:

• Undergarments (15+ pairs)
• Towels (2), microfiber napkins (3)
• Formal outfit (interviews/events)
• Flip-flops / bathroom slippers

👟 Footwear

• Casual shoes (wear during flight)
• Sports shoes (cheap in DE sales)
• Leather boots (only if you have space)
• Flip-flops or Crocs (showers, indoors)

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⚖️ Medicines & Health

Health costs in Germany are high without insurance. Carry:

• Paracetamol, anti-allergy (cetirizine), Digene, ORS
• Domstal, Avomine, pain relief balm
• Personal prescriptions (with doctor’s note)
• Glasses (2 pairs), contact lenses
• Dental & eye check-up before flying (expensive in DE)

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🎟️ Stationery & Study Gear (Minimalist)

• Pens (blue/black), markers
• USB-C compatible calculator
• A4 refill pad (1 pack for initial use)
• Scissors, stapler, sticky notes

✅ Most stationery is cheap in TEDi or Woolworth in Germany

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🛅 Toiletries

Carry travel-size packs for the first 2 weeks:

• Toothbrush (2), toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash
• Deodorant, nail clipper, shaving kit
• Feminine hygiene products (1 month)
• Lip balm, comb, contact lens solution

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🚒 Luggage Tips (Airline Rules in 2026)

• 2 check-in suitcases (max 23kg each, check airline)
• 1 cabin bag (7kg)
• 1 laptop backpack / daypack

🎒 Use bright tags or AirTags to track your bags.

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📈 Money & Forex (Digital-First Approach)

• Bring €1500 in total: €200 cash, rest on Forex or Wise card
• Indian cards with international use (Niyo, Fi, SBI Global)
• Carry some EUR coins for airport trolleys or toilets

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🌎 Must-Have Apps in Germany (2026 Edition)

• DB Navigator (trains/buses)
• Google Translate (offline mode)
• Splitwise (expense sharing)
• Too Good To Go (leftover food deals)
• Kaufland, Rewe, Lidl apps (grocery deals)
• BahnBonus (miles and points)

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🎓 On Arrival: First 7 Days in Germany

• Inform your family
• Complete Anmeldung (city registration)
• Open a bank account (N26, DKB, Sparkasse)
• Buy a SIM (Aldi Talk eSIM or Lebara)
• Collect health insurance card (public or TK/Barmer)
• Apply for residence permit (Ausländerbehörde)

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Final 2026 Travel Reminders

• Pre-book extra luggage (costlier at airport)
• Double-check ticket and visa status 48 hrs before
• Print copies of all key documents (just in case phone dies)
• Pack snack bars, water bottle, charger in cabin bag
• Sleep well the night before and don’t wear heavy boots to the flight!

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Conclusion

Packing smart in 2026 means prioritizing function, comfort, and digital readiness. With eSIMs, contactless cards, and health registration moving online, your physical checklist may shrink—but the essentials still matter.

Start speaking German with ease from Day 1. Book a free trial class and beat the culture shock!

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FAQ (2026 Edition)

Can I carry Indian food to Germany?

Yes, in moderation. Bring only sealed, labelled, non-glass food items. Don’t risk customs trouble.

Are plug converters still necessary in 2026?

Yes! Germany still uses Type F (Schuko) plugs. Carry at least 3 converters.

Should I get a SIM before arriving?

Get an eSIM QR code from Aldi or Lebara in advance, or buy from airport vending machines on arrival.

Do I need printed documents in 2026?

Still yes. Especially your visa, health insurance, and address proof. Keep both digital & print versions.

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For more German relocation tips, visit our full Germany Relocation Blog Series or connect with the LingoThoughts team!